Month: May 2017

The BKSTEPPERS Marching Arts will now perform on System Blue Professional Marching Percussion. System Blue is excited to have this progressive and incredible program as part of the family.
Founded in 1989 by principal Johnny Walker, the Jackie Robinson Steppers Marching Band adopted a southern style of performance and expression using precision dance and musical styles to create what was called “The Ultimate Musical Experience” for both audience and membership. This “One Band, One Sound” philosophy created a unit that became the equal of any university band, and the envy of their middle- and high-school peers.
In 2004, the band reorganized to become The Brooklyn Steppers Marching Band. The Brooklyn Steppers’ roster exploded to a peak strength of nearly 200 members. The world would soon take notice as The Brooklyn Steppers began receiving invitations to play at major events across the New York metropolitan area. A typical week consisted of performance dates with the New York Mets, the New York Knicks, The United Nations, and the Borough President of Brooklyn. Film and television soon came calling, with the band appearing on every network from ABC to MTV. The Steppers made silver screen appearances in such blockbusters as “Pulse: A STOMP Odyssey” and Disney’s Academy Award-nominated fantasy “Enchanted.” All the while The Steppers balanced their practice and performance expectations with the academic demands, which have become a cornerstone of the program.
The Brooklyn Steppers Marching comes through time and time again, and have nearly two decades of work culminated in what to date is the ultimate gig: representing the state of New York in the January 20, 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade for President Barack Obama.
Today, the BKSTEPPERS Marching Arts are soaring towards a future of artistic renewal, expanded programming, and social and community leadership. Listen, watch and experience the thrill of the BKSTEPPERS as they become an inspiring cultural institution and a source of pride to New York City.
“We are thrilled to have the BKSTEPPERS on board with System Blue,” remarks David Gibbs, President of System Blue, “They bring an incredible level of performance, design and history to the table. We are very excited to have them a part of the System Blue family.”

“For several year’s, we have partnered with System Blue to bring an incredible educational experience to percussionists in the Tri-state area. Today, we are excited to further cement our relationship by joining the System Blue family and have our ensemble perform on the lightest and innovative drums in the marketplace.” Antonio Thompson, Executive Director
Find out more about the BKSTEPPERS and System Blue – https://systemblue.org/

The Blue Devils Drum Corps will proudly perform on System Blue instruments and products as well as will be featured in several educational events this summer of 2017. They have announced their 2017 program Metamorph, and we can’t wait to see what the journey brings. #systemblue

System Blue welcomes the Erie Thunderbirds to the family. The Thunderbirds will perform on System Blue Professional Marching Percussion. They will be the first DCA corps to perform on the marching drums.

“We are thrilled to have the Erie Thunderbirds on board,” says Scott Johnson, System Blue designer, “we are confident the marching percussion will be a great fit for their drum line and be a game changer overall.”

Designed for speed and agility, the System Blue drums are lightweight and easier on the hands. Performers can play for longer periods of time with less fatigue. Given that the drums are approximately 30% lighter overall, The Erie Thunderbirds will be able to easily maneuver drill as well as perform at a higher level.

“We are excited to perform on System Blue drums,” says Vincent Lucente, Percussion Caption Head for The Erie Thunderbirds, “the drums sound incredible and open up many possibilities for pushing the limits of our program and design potential.”

In 2016, the Thunderbirds celebrated their 60th anniversary. The Thunderbirds completed their second season back on the competitive field participating in both SDCA and DCA. The Erie Thunderbirds broke the corps best score in the history of the corps in Prelims and also made history by making DCA Finals for the first time since 1981.

System Blue looks forward to the journey with the Erie Thunderbirds and their future performances on the Professional Marching Drums.

The Blue Devils Drum Line will be a featured artist at the 2017 PASIC convention in Indianapolis this November. We are honored to have them perform on System Blue Professional Drums and look forward to supporting their clinic.